POLICE were called when youths hurled fireworks at a painter while he was up a ladder.

The incident has prompted an angry tenants' leader to call for the sale of fireworks to be restricted to just two days before Bonfire Night.

Beryl Callaghan, chairman of Daisyfield Tenants and Residents Association, Blackburn, saw the incident in which the painter was targeted as he painted a two-storey gable end.

"These gang of youths were throwing fireworks right at him while he was at the top of his ladders," said retired schoolteacher Beryl, of Buttermere Close.

"The painter was terrified and phoned his boss to say he couldn't continue the job, so I had to ring the police."

She added: "This behaviour is just not on. The painter was absolutely terrified.

"If the firework had hit him or banged in his face he could have been blinded or seriously burned.

"At the least, he could have fallen off his ladder and broken something." An officer from Blackburn police station attended the scene and spoke to the youths and the workman finished his job.

Beryl said: "Why do we have to put up with these youths throwing fireworks every year?

"Fireworks should be sold just two days before Bonfire Night.

"It would save a lot of injuries, a lot of aggravation and a lot of wasted time."

Inspector Andrew Procter, of Blackburn police, said: "In the run-up to bonfire night we are having increasing problems with children, youths and fireworks.

"We are addressing the problem when we become aware of it in any area and we are talking to the offenders and warning them of the dangers or taking other appropriate action when necessary."

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